6.63.2 NMAC

TITLE 6 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

CHAPTER 63 SCHOOL PERSONNEL - LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR ANCILLARY AND

SUPPORT PERSONNEL

PART 2 LICENSURE FOR SCHOOL NURSES, GRADES PRE K-12

6.63.2.1 ISSUING AGENCY: Public Education Department (PED).

[07-31-97; 07-30-99; 6.63.2.1 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.1, 10-31-01; A, 06-15-06; A, 07-01-08]

6.63.2.2 SCOPE: Chapter 63, Part 2, governs licensure for school nurses, grades pre K-12, for those persons seeking such licensure.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.2 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.2, 10-31-01; A, 06-15-06]

6.63.2.3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Sections 22-2-1, NMSA 1978, 22-2-2, NMSA 1978, and 22-10-A-17 NMSA 1978.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.3 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.3, 10-31-01; A, 06-15-06]

6.63.2.4 DURATION: Permanent.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.4 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.4, 10-31-01]

6.63.2.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 31, 1997.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.5 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.5, 10-31-01]

6.63.2.6 OBJECTIVE: This rule establishes the requirements for three types of school nurse licensure for persons seeking licensure as an associate school nurse, a professional school nurse, or a supervisory school nurse.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.6 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.6, 10-31-01; A, 06-15-06]

6.63.2.7 DEFINITIONS: [RESERVED]

6.63.2.8 REQUIREMENTS:

A. Persons seeking an associate school nurse license pursuant to the provisions of this rule shall meet the following requirements:

(1) associate's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university or from an institution accredited by the national league of nursing or a diploma program in nursing accredited by the national league of nursing; and

(2) a valid New Mexico registered nurse license issued by the New Mexico board of nursing or any successor licensing board for nurses or license from another state based on current compact state license according to New Mexico nursing board rule, 16.12.2 NMAC.

B. Persons seeking a professional school nurse license pursuant to the provisions of this rule shall meet the following requirements:

(1) bachelor's degree in nursing or in a health related field from a regionally accredited college or university or from an institution accredited by the national league of nursing; and

C. Persons seeking a supervisory school nurse license pursuant to the provisions of this rule shall meet the following requirements:

(1) master's degree in nursing or in a health related field from a regionally accredited college or university or from an institution accredited by the national league of nursing; and

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.8 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.8, 10-31-01; A, 9/30/03; A, 06-15-06; A, 07-01-08]

6.63.2.9 IMPLEMENTATION:

A. All persons holding a valid New Mexico license for school nurses on the day that this rule is effective and who meet the provisions of Subsection A, Paragraphs (1) and (2) of 6.63.2.8 NMAC shall be entitled to licensure as an associate school nurse.

B. All persons holding a valid New Mexico license for school nurses on the day that this rule is effective and who meet the provisions of Subsection B, Paragraphs (1) and (2) of 6.63.2.8 NMAC shall be entitled to licensure as a professional school nurse.

C. All persons holding a valid New Mexico license for school nurses on the day that this rule is effective and who meet the provisions of Subsection C, Paragraphs (1) and (2) of 6.63.2.8 NMAC shall be entitled to licensure as a supervisory school nurse.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.9 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.9, 10-31-01]

6.63.2.10 CONTINUING SCHOOL NURSE LICENSURE: Persons holding a valid level 1 associate, professional, or supervisory school nurse license and seeking a level 2 associate or professional school nurse license or a level 3 supervisory school nurse license; persons holding a valid level 2 associate or professional school nurse license and seeking continuation of the level 2 license; and persons holding a level 3 supervisory license and seeking continuation of the level 3 license shall meet the following requirements:

A. a completed application for continuing New Mexico licensure shall be submitted to the director of professional licensure;

B. a copy of a valid registered nurse license shall be submitted with the application for continuing New Mexico licensure; and

C. the superintendent of the local school district or the governing authority of the state institution or private school by which the applicant has been most recently employed as of the date of application for continuing licensure must submit verification that the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated the competencies for school nurses for the level and type of school nurse license sought.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.10 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.10, 10-31-01]

6.63.2.11 REFERENCED MATERIAL:

A. Competencies for associate school nurses

(1) In collaboration with educational staff and others, the associate school nurse establishes and manages a coordinated school health program under the direction of a nurse supervisor consistent with New Mexico guidelines, regulations, and statutes governing nursing and school health, as well as local school district policy by:

(a) consulting with the school administrators, physicians and others to establish, review and revise policies, procedures and specific programs for coordinated school health education and services; performance of this task requires clinical supervision;

(b) assisting in the development of a needs assessment procedure and data collection procedure, as well as a plan to evaluate health services; also prepares regular written reports for school officials and state agencies; performance of this task requires clinical supervision;

(d) facilitating the orientation, training, supervision, and evaluation of health assistant personnel as needed to provide a safe level of health services and to comply with the N.M. Nurse Practice Act and other relevant statutes and regulations;

(e) developing effective methods of documentation and a coordinated school health record system;

(f) assisting in the prevention of communicable diseases in the school by providing necessary school-based education and interventions in collaboration with and under the direction of the local health authority and the professional school nurse;

(g) promoting positive safety practices both within and outside of school buildings, and participating in the development of an emergency plan which is communicated to personnel and students;

(h) interpreting school health service needs and the role of the school nurse to the school and community; also serves on school health advisory committees as appropriate;

(i) participating in the planning for health in-service programs for school personnel;

(2) Using the nursing process, the associate school nurse plans and implements health care in collaboration with educational staff, families, and students by:

(a) collecting information about the health and developmental status of students, staff, and families in a continuous and systematic manner, including health and social histories, screening results, physical assessments, emotional status, performance levels and health goals;

(b) developing and implementing student health management plans;

(c) providing for medically prescribed interventions, including medication administration and medical/nursing treatments and/or arranging for the standard care of ill and injured students and staff members as needed;

(d) responding to health issues, providing preliminary counseling and crisis intervention, and providing reference services in areas such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse, death of family members, suicide, and child neglect or abuse when required;

(e) managing communicable disease issues in the school by providing school-based education and interventions in collaboration with and under the direction of the local health authority, and pursuant to appropriate federal regulations and guidelines;

(f) assessing student response to nursing actions in order to revise the database as needed, nursing diagnoses and nursing care plans and to determine the progress made toward goal achievement.

(3) The associate school nurse collaborates with other professionals, team members, and community providers in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and other school health activities in order to maximize and coordinate services and prevent duplication by:

(a) establishing a process to identify students at risk for physical and psychosocial problems, communicating health needs to other school personnel as appropriate and establishing a referral system using both internal and community resources;

(b) participating as a team member and, with parental consent when indicated, sharing information with other team members about student health problems and needs; also acting as an advocate for students and families when appropriate;

(d) identifying health-related needs for inclusion in the student’s individual education plan and developing the health management plan if appropriate;

(e) serving as a member of pertinent committees and teams such as the school district’s long-range strategic planning committee, special education committee, intervention committee, crisis intervention team, and support groups for students;

(f) participating in the planning, implementation, evaluation, and acting as the leader in the ongoing operation of school-based health centers if appropriate. Performance of this task requires clinical supervision;

(g) participating in the planning and implementation of staff and student health promotion and wellness programs;

(h) working with community agencies addressing school/community health care needs.

(4) The associate school nurse applies nursing theory as the basis for decision-making in the school setting while expanding knowledge and skills in response to student health needs by:

(a) demonstrating current knowledge in such areas as:

(i) professional issues in school nursing;

(ii) school and community health;

(iii) communicable disease control;

(iv) growth and development;

(v) health assessment;

(vi) acute and chronic health conditions;

(vii) injury prevention and emergency care;

(viii) student issues;

(ix) legal/ethical health policy;

(b) participating, where appropriate, in pilot projects/research projects related to school health;

(c) collaborating with local schools of nursing to provide student practice in community health as well as to obtain nursing education resources;

(d) assuming responsibility for continuing her/his own education and obtaining expert consultation, supervision and peer review as needed.

B. Competencies for professional school nurses

(1) In collaboration with educational staff and others, the professional school nurse establishes and manages a coordinated school health program consistent with New Mexico guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing and school health, as well as local school district policy by:

(a) consulting with the school administrators, physicians and others to establish, review and revise policies, procedures and specific programs for coordinated school health education and services;

(b) developing a needs assessment procedure and data collection procedure, as well as a plan to evaluate health services; also preparing regular written reports for school officials and state agencies;

(d) facilitating the orientation, training, supervision, and evaluation of health assistant personnel as needed to provide a safe level of health services and to comply with the NM Nurse Practice Act and other relevant statutes and regulations;

(e) developing effective methods of documentation and a coordinated school health record system;

(f) developing programs for communicable disease prevention and infection control based on current guidelines for universal precautions, prevention of blood borne pathogens exposure and hazardous medical waste disposal;

(g) promoting positive safety practices both within and outside of school buildings and participating in the development of an emergency plan which is communicated to personnel and students;

(h) interpreting school health service needs and the role of the school nurse to the school and community; also serving on school health advisory committees as appropriate.

(2) Using the nursing process, the professional school nurse plans and implements health care in collaboration with educational staff, families, and students by:

(a) collecting and analyzing information about the health and developmental status of students, staff, and families in a continuous and systematic manner, including health and social histories, screening results, physical assessments, emotional status, performance levels and health goals;

(b) developing a nursing diagnosis and student health management plan with specific goals and interventions delineating school nursing actions specific to student needs and coordinated with the efforts of other providers and school personnel; also implementing this plan in a manner aimed at improving health and educational status;

(c) providing for medically prescribed interventions, including medication administration and medical/nursing treatments and arranging for the standard care of ill and injured students and staff members as needed;

(d) responding to health issues, providing counseling and crisis intervention when required in areas such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse, death of family members, suicide, and child neglect or abuse;

(f) assessing student response to nursing actions in order to revise the database as needed, nursing diagnoses and nursing care plan and to determine the progress made toward goal achievement.

(3) The professional school nurse collaborates with other professionals, team members, and community providers in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programs and other school health activities in order to maximize and coordinate services and prevent duplication by:

(d) identifying health-related needs for inclusion in the student’s individual education plan and developing the health management plan if appropriate;

(e) serving as a member of pertinent committees and teams such as the school district’s long range strategic planning committee, special education committee, intervention committee, crisis intervention team, and support groups for students;

(f) participating in the planning, implementation and evaluation of school-based health centers, and acting as the leader of these centers if appropriate;

(g) participating in the planning and implementation of staff and student health promotion and wellness programs;

(h) working with community agencies addressing school/community health care needs.

(4) The professional school nurse assists students, families, and staff to achieve optimal levels of wellness through health education and promotion by:

(a) identifying needs for health education and teaching the basic principles of health promotion and disease prevention to students and staff, using principles of learning and appropriate teaching methods;

(b) participating in the planning of health in-service programs for school personnel;

(c) acting as a resource person to health education programs and classes and to the curriculum committee for health education.

(5) The professional school nurse participates with other members of the community in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating school health services and community services which include the broad continuum of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs by:

(a) serving as a member of the school team which assesses the health/social aspects of the school district’s long-range strategic plan;

(b) using community and population-based data;

(c) understanding and applying core public health functions of assessment, policy development, evaluation, and assurance;

(d) using community resources for referral of students with unmet health needs, including the need for a primary care provider; participating in the planning and implementation of new services;

(e) working with the community to convey health information and acting as an advocate for the role of the school health program in promoting the health of the student population.

(6) The professional school nurse applies nursing theory as the basis for decision-making in the school setting while expanding knowledge and skills in response to student health needs by:

(a) demonstrating current knowledge in such areas as:

(i) professional issues in school nursing

(ii) school and community health

(iii) communicable disease control

(iv) growth and development

(v) health assessment

(vi) acute and chronic health conditions

(vii) injury prevention and emergency care

(viii) student issues

(ix) legal/ethical health policy

(b) participating, where appropriate, in pilot projects/research projects related to school health;

(c) collaborating with local schools of nursing to provide student practice in community health as well as to obtain nursing education resources;

(d) assuming responsibility for continuing her/his own education and obtaining expert consultation, supervision and peer review as needed.

C. Competencies for supervisory school nurses

(1) In collaboration with educational staff and others, the supervisory school nurse provides leadership in the establishment and management of a coordinated school health program consistent with New Mexico guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing and school health, as well as local school district policy by:

(a) using available demographic, health and school system data, to identify health needs of the student population;

(b) developing surveys, questionnaires and other tools for obtaining information;

(d) assuming leadership in the establishment of a school health service advisory committee with representation from such groups as school administration, faculty, students, parents, and community providers;

(e) coordinates planning with interdisciplinary colleagues at the national, state, and local levels, in the coordinated school health education and human services program;

(f) preparing and administering the health services budget; seeking opportunities to apply for outside sources of funding for the school health service program.

(2) Using the nursing process, the supervisory school nurse provides leadership in the planning and implementation of health care in collaboration with educational staff, families and students by:

(a) employing, orienting and assigning qualified personnel to implement the school health program as appropriate;

(b) implementing communication systems which promote participatory management;

(c) participating in the development of an interdisciplinary plan for each building to ensure that students in need of services are identified in a timely manner and that appropriate intervention is initiated;

(d) developing and implementing written policies and procedures for the clinical services and programs addressing health issues such as immunizations, medication administration, services for children with special health care needs, school-wide injury prevention programs, special programs such as groups addressing eating disorders, smoking cessation and violence prevention;

(e) developing and implementing documentation systems at both the individual student level and programmatic level;

(f) providing clinical consultation to the health education staff, physical educators, and other administrative and teaching staff;

(g) participating in interdisciplinary teams such as the crisis team and child abuse team, to ensure that integrated systems are in place which address the coordinated health needs of the student population;

(h) carrying out communicable disease prevention and infection control based on current guidelines for universal precautions, prevention of blood borne pathogens exposure and hazardous medical waste disposal;

(i) assisting in the development of a district emergency care plan;

(j) collaborating with other school administrators and teachers to promote a physically and psychologically healthy school environment;

(k) promoting positive linkages and referral mechanisms to community providers for a range of services related to student health;

(l) seeking opportunities to interpret the health needs of school-age children and adolescents, the goals of the health service program, and the importance of health education to administrators, school committee members, faculty, families, and the general community through special reports, the media, health fairs and other special events.

(3) The supervisory school nurse participates with other members of the community in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating school health services and community health services which include the broad continuum of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programs by:

(a) compiling statistical reports as required by the school system and state agencies;

(b) evaluating nursing and other health service staff;

(d) evaluating and making recommendations with regard to changing trends in health needs and program outcomes to determine need for revision of goals and objectives;

(e) assessing liability issues.

(4) The supervisory school nurse collaborates with other professionals, team members and community providers in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programs and other school health activities in order to maximize and coordinate services and prevent duplication by:

(a) implementing an ongoing continuing education program for all staff;

(b) encouraging staff to participate in pertinent conferences and workshops addressing a range of school health issues;

(c) providing ongoing formal and informal feedback to staff about their progress in achieving goals of the program and encouraging their continued educational and professional development;

(d) understanding and applying core public health functions of assessment, policy development, evaluation, and assurance.

(5) The supervisory school nurse applies nursing theory and core public health theory as the basis for decision-making in the school setting while expanding knowledge and skills in response to student health needs by:

(a) demonstrating current knowledge in such areas as:

(i) professional issues in school nursing;

(ii) school and community health;

(iii) communicable disease control;

(iv) growth and development;

(v) health assessment;

(vi) acute and chronic health conditions;

(vii) injury prevention and emergency care;

(viii) student issues;

(ix) legal/ethical health policy;

(b) participating, where appropriate, in pilot projects/research projects related to school health;

(c) collaborating with local schools of nursing to provide student practice in community health as well as to obtain nursing education resources;

(d) assuming responsibility for continuing her/his own education and obtaining expert consultation, supervision and peer review as needed;

(e) collaborating with local nursing education institutions in providing student practice in the school health programs, guest lecturers and the opportunity to participate in nursing research; seeking opportunities to give consultation on the specific issues of school-age children and adolescents; publishing when possible.

[07-31-97; 6.63.2.11 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 4.2.3.1.11, 10-31-01]

HISTORY OF 6.63.2 NMAC:

PRE-NMAC HISTORY: The material in this regulation was derived from that previously filed with the state records center and archives under:

SBE 71-23, Procedure: Four Week Orientation Program to Meet School Nurse Certification Requirements, filed August 28, 1978, and SBE Regulation No. 87-10, Licensure for School Nurses, Grades K-12, filed December 1, 1987.

HISTORY OF REPEALED MATERIAL: [RESERVED]